Managing Partner

Karim
Fawaz

Karim leads AX Law's Corporate M&A and commercial practices, advising on transformational transactions and strategic initiatives across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Turkey.

Corporate M&A Technology & Digital Assets UAE • KSA • Lebanon • Turkey

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Biography

Executive Overview

Karim Fawaz is the Managing Partner of AX Law, where he leads the firm's Corporate M&A, commercial, and technology practices. With a career spanning international law firms and leading global technology corporations, Karim brings a rare blend of legal expertise and commercial acumen to every engagement.

His practice encompasses complex cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, regulatory strategy in the fintech and digital assets space, and technology transactions including data center developments across the Gulf region. Karim is recognized for his ability to navigate the evolving legal and regulatory landscapes of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, providing clients with strategic counsel that drives transformational outcomes.

Prior to founding AX Law, Karim held senior legal leadership positions at Cisco Systems and Cisco Capital, and practiced at leading international law firms, where he developed deep expertise in corporate structuring, technology transactions, and cross-border regulatory matters.

Corporate M&A
Leadership

Cross-Border Regulatory
Expertise

Technology Sector
Specialization

Corporate M&A and Joint Ventures

Advising on complex domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, and strategic joint ventures across the Gulf region.

FinTech, Digital Assets & Regulatory Strategy

Navigating the regulatory frameworks governing fintech platforms, digital assets, blockchain, and emerging financial technologies in the GCC.

Technology Transactions and Data Centers

Structuring technology licensing, cloud infrastructure agreements, and data center developments supporting digital transformation initiatives.

Cross-border Structuring in UAE & Saudi Arabia

Designing corporate structures and regulatory strategies for businesses operating across UAE and Saudi Arabian jurisdictions.

Managing Partner

AX Law

Leading the firm's strategic direction and overseeing the Corporate M&A, technology, and commercial practice groups. Advising on transformational transactions across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Head of Saudi Arabia Legal Practice

Global International Law Firm

Established and led the Saudi Arabia practice, advising major corporations and sovereign entities on regulatory compliance, market entry strategies, and complex commercial transactions.

Founder — CorpTech Practice

International Law Firm

Created a specialized practice at the intersection of corporate law and technology, advising technology companies on market expansion, licensing, and regulatory matters in the Middle East.

Senior Legal Leadership

Cisco Capital and Cisco Systems

Served in senior legal roles supporting Cisco's capital markets activities, technology transactions, and strategic initiatives across emerging markets.